Clinical Dietitian II in Houston, Texas

Overview

Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center is an internationally recognized leader in research and clinical excellence that has given rise to breakthroughs in cardiovascular care neuroscience oncology transplantation and more. Our team’s efforts have led to the creation of many research programs and initiatives to develop advanced treatments found nowhere else in the world. In our commitment to advancing standards in an ever-evolving healthcare environment our new McNair Campus is designed around the human experience—modeled on evidence-based practices for the safety of patients visitors staff and physicians. The 27.5-acre campus represents the future of healthcare through a transformative alliance focused on leading-edge patient care research and education. Our strong alliance with Texas Heart® Institute and Baylor College of Medicine allows us to bring our patients a powerful network of care unlike any other. Our collaboration is focused on increasing access to care through a growing network of leading specialists and revolutionizing healthcare to save lives and improve the health of the communities we serve.

Responsibilities

The Clinical Dietitian II supports, models and trains Clinical Dietitian I’s in the core behaviors and responsibilities of the department and organization. Performs business functions, such as management of resources in a cost-effective manner, and participates in compliance and quality performance improvement efforts to ensure that nutrition care is safe and effective.

Conducts patient screening in accordance with specialized clinical guidelines for those at a specific nutritional risk. Performs nutritional assessment using age and gender appropriate standards, cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds; and utilizing validated assessment tools resulting in nutrition related diagnosis when indicated. Conducts routine screening to identify patients at nutritional risk. Collaborates within an interdisciplinary environment to contribute to facilitating care and identifying patients at nutrition risk or needing higher level of care.

Implements targeted and specific nutrition intervention(s) based on the specific medical condition. Provides customized nutrition education to patients and/or families and caregivers. Actively participates as a member of the multi-specialty, interdisciplinary care team to contribute toward overall patient care. Closely monitors, evaluates and rescreens patient nutrition status as appropriate. Updates plan of care as necessary. Follows up with patient as needed.

Develops an intervention plan which includes appropriate feeding route, mode, and nutrition prescription unique to patient’s specific needs, in accordance with physicians’ orders. Monitors and evaluates patient response to interventions by meeting specific measurable goals documented in the nutrition care plan in a timely and thorough manner in the medical record. CA Only: For neonates and pediatric patients, coordinates nutrition services with California Children’s Services (CCS). Must be a California Children’s Services (CCS) paneled provider if providing nutrition care to NICU or pediatric patients with a CCS-approved facility.

Collaborates with the Food and Nutrition Services team to enhance patient experience. This includes participating in test trays, menu reviews, periodic auditing trayline for accuracy of diet orders, validating menu compliance with the facility Diet Manual Handbook and Nutrition Care Manual (NCM), supporting with patient interactive positions (i.e. dietitians, diet clerks, etc.), maintaining communication with patients, staff, and guests and providing excellent customer service. Participates in peer reviews and chart audits, and collaborates in Diet Manual Handbook training for all clinical staff (new registered dietitians, nurses, therapists, physicians, etc.), including how to access it in hard and soft copy. Supports in the training/development of Clinical Dietitian I, patient interactive positions (i.e. dietitians, diet clerks, interns, etc.) as well as other positions as needed. This may include leading Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) training sessions and workshops for overall hospital clinical staff such as nurses, therapists, and physicians.

Functions routinely with high acuity patients requiring advanced competency to provide expert level of care and nutrition therapy in Neonatal intensive care units, Pediatric units, enteral/parenteral nutrition support and order writing privileges, oncology, renal, diabetes, and gerontology.

Knowledge of effective self-management practices and ability to manage multiple concurrent objectives, projects, groups, or activities, making effective judgments as to prioritizing and time allocation.

Understanding of the necessity and value of accuracy and attention to detail; ability to process information with high levels of accuracy.

Knowledge of commonly used office hardware, software and equipment and ability to use the tools available at the desktop (for example: word processing, e-mail, presentation software, and spreadsheets.)

Knowledge of the techniques and the ability to work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and collaborative manner.

Knowledge of the current situation or issue at hand; ability to take full personal responsibility or ownership for assignments, activities, decisions and results.

Demonstrates breadth and/or depth of professional/technical skills and capabilities required for position; shares knowledge; sets or contributes to the Company’s direction within area of expertise.

Leading Through Mission, Vision & Values

Keeping the organization’s mission, vision and values at the forefront of associate decision making and action.

Ensuring that the patient/customer perspective is a driving force behind our actions and business decisions; crafting and implementing service practices that meet patients’/customers’ and own organization’s needs. (Focus also includes internal and external customers.)

Knowledge of proper care and maintenance of kitchen areas; ability to ensure sanitation, safety and compliance standards are met in accordance with facility policies and related legal requirements.

Knowledge of practices and interventions for specific populations with specific conditions; ability to improve health status and prevent or minimize the effects of disease.

Knowledge of healthcare industry’s trends, directions, major issues, regulatory considerations and trendsetters; ability to apply this knowledge appropriately to diverse situations.

Knowledge of applicable laws, rules and regulations governing dietary guidelines; ability to apply these theories to design, develop and maintain a healthy diet.

Food and Nutrition Services

Knowledge of applicable laws, rules and regulations governing Food and Nutrition Services (FNS); ability to provide, prepare and serve inpatient meals, supplements, and menu selection services.

Knowledge of principles and practices associated with menu planning; ability to plan nutritious and varied meals for patients and staff.

Knowledge of counseling concepts and methods; ability to encourage, motivate, and guide individuals and family members in learning and improving health as well as disease prevention.

Diagnosis

Knowledge of techniques, roles, and responsibilities in assessing and diagnosing patients; ability to apply this knowledge appropriately to diverse situations.

Knowledge of therapeutic approaches and principles of Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT), and ability to plan, develop and deliver nutritional interventions as well as provide individualized dietary consultations.

Qualifications

Two (2) years acute hospital experience working with patients in more complex level of care to specialized population (e.g. pediatric, bariatric, ICU, etc.)

Bachelor’s Degree with completion of accredited dietitian program (ACEND – Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition Dietetics.)

Valid registration as a Registered Dietitian with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Current (within the past 12 months) ServSafe® Allergen and Food Handler Certifications. If not currently certified, certification to be obtained within 30 days of hire.

Pay Range

$29.16 – $42.28 /hour

We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.